Wrexham FC chief executive Don Bircham has not joined the chorus of condemnation that greeted proposals to establish a new ‘League Three’ as one way of boosting the number of English players at the top of club football.

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke unveiled a raft of England Commission proposals at Wembley on Thursday that also included plans for special loan relationships between clubs, overhauling the work permit system and increasing the number of home-grown players in squads.

The most controversial however was the introduction of Premier League B teams in a new ’League Three’ from 2016/17 and it provoked a backlash of criticism from all corners of the game.

Bircham, though, believes it’s too early to pass judgement on the proposals, saying: “It’s a mixed bag really because I only heard it on the radio yesterday and my initial reaction was that it would make life even more difficult in terms of getting back into the Football League.

“But there is the suggestion that the new division would be one of four in the Football League and the top 10 Conference clubs would move into the new one. I feel a bit more optimistic were that to be the case but my initial reaction was concern, that’s for sure.”

Noting Dyke’s two-year timescale to implement the changes, Bircham added: “If we are still in the Conference when and if these proposals are implemented it would be our own fault.

“I’m sure there will be a consultation process with the Conference at some stage when our opinions will no doubt be sought.

“I’m sure there is a lot of flesh to be put on the bones of the proposals and it might not be as bad as we first thought.”

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony reacted on Twitter saying: “My thoughts on this B team scenario – It’s all about ME,ME & ME from the FA/Prem & to hell with the rest of you. Cant be allowed to happen!

“In this instance, its finally time for the 72 FL chairmen & most importantly our Chairman GC (Greg Clarke) to be strong to ensure this doesn’t happen.”

Accrington Stanley stated sarcastically: “In 2016/17 we can achieve our dream... We’ll finally be able to play Stoke City Reserves in the Football League...”

The Football League said there was no ‘acceptable solution’ in the Commission’s report while England’s record goalscorer Gary Lineker described the B-team idea as ‘nonsense’ and the Football Supporters’ Federation expressed outrage it was not consulted.

A Football Conference statement said: “The English pyramid system is unique, having evolved over 100 years.

“It has supported the growth of football into a league system that has become the envy of the world. It is important in these proposals to remember the heritage of the English game.”

Dyke said teams including Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City were enthusiastic about the proposal and believes club power can win the day even though the Premier League refused to be part of his England Commission.

Asked if he feared the leagues would block his proposals, he said: “I don’t think that will happen.

“Do I think every bit of this will happen no, do I think a lot of it will – yes. You have to distinguish sometimes between the leagues and the clubs.”